THE CHALLENGE
News reports give you the impression
that the Internet is a haven for cyberbullies, sexual predators, and identity
thieves. You are concerned for good reason: Your teenager is often online and
seems oblivious to the dangers.
You can teach your teenager
Internet safety. First, though, consider some things you should know about life
online.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Teens can access the Internet on mobile
devices. The rule that
the computer should be placed in a common area of the house still has merit.
But with a tablet or smartphone connected to the Internet, your teenager may
have more access to the online world than ever—and without your
supervision.
The fact that some people have auto accidents does not
make it wrong to drive a car. The same principle applies to the use of the
Internet. Your teenager needs to learn to “drive” it cautiously
Some teens spend excessive time online.
“I turn on the
computer intending to check my e-mail for five minutes and end up watching
videos for hours,” admits a 19-year-old girl. “I need a lot of self-control.”
Teens might reveal online more than
they should. Shady people
can piece together a teenager’s online comments and photos to find out such
information as where he or she lives and goes to school and at what times no
one in the family will be at home.
Some teens do not understand the
repercussions of what they post. What is posted online stays online. Sometimes
embarrassing comments and photos are discovered later—for example, by a
prospective employer doing a background check on a job applicant.
Despite such concerns, remember this: The
Internet is not your enemy. Rather, what leads to trouble is unwise use of
the Internet.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Teach your teen priorities and
time-management skills. Part of becoming a responsible adult involves learning to
put first things first. Family communication, homework, and chores are more
important than casual Internet use. If the amount of time your teen spends
online is a concern, set limits—even using a timer if necessary.—Bible
principle: Philippians 1:10.
Teach your teen to think before
posting. Help your
teenager to ask such questions as: Could the comment I am about to post hurt
someone? How will this photo affect my reputation? Would I feel embarrassed if
my parents or other adults saw this photo or comment? What would they conclude
about me if they saw it? What would I think of someone who posted such a
comment or photo?—Bible principle: Proverbs 10:23.
Teach your teen to live by values—not
just rules. You cannot look
over your teenager’s shoulder every moment of the day. Besides, your goal as a
parent is not to control your children but to help them “have their powers of
discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) So, instead of emphasizing rules and punishment
as the primary factor, appeal to your teenager’s moral sense. What type
of reputation does he want to have? For what type of character traits does she
want to be known? Your goal is to help your teenager make wise decisions,
whether you are there or not.—Bible principle: Proverbs 3:21.
“Kids know more about technology.
Parents know more about life”
Navigating the Internet, like driving a
car, requires good judgment—not just technological ability. Your guidance as a
parent, therefore, is crucial. After all, it is as Internet-safety expert Parry
Aftab observes: “Kids know more about technology. Parents know more about
life.”
KEY SCRIPTURES
·
“Make sure of the more important things.”—Philippians 1:10.
·
“Engaging in shameful conduct is like a game to the
stupid one, but wisdom is for the man of discernment.”—Proverbs 10:23.
·
“Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability.”—Proverbs 3:21.
“Before your child enters the online
world, he should be consistently demonstrating the admirable character traits
you’re striving to cultivate—such as kindness, restraint, tolerance,
inclusiveness—because they will get tested.”—Letting Go With Love and
Confidence, by Kenneth Ginsburg and Susan FitzGerald.
LEARN MORE at www.jw.org
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